Juno Propulsion is creating novel rocket propulsion products based on its unparalleled expertise in rotating detonation combustion. By using its higher-efficiency engines and thrusters, Juno Propulsion enables doubling the cargo mass sent to orbit, lengthening satellite lifespans, and sending more cargo to the moon and beyond.
FELLOW
Alexis Harroun
Alexis Harroun is the founder and CEO of Juno Propulsion. She earned her Ph.D. from Purdue University, where she studied rocket propulsion, focusing her last six years of research on applying rotating detonation combustion to new rocket engine architectures. Harroun’s goal is to advance groundbreaking technologies to improve human and scientific access to space. She received her M.S. from Purdue University and B.S. from the University of Washington.
TECHNOLOGY
Critical Need
Rockets, land-based power generation, and jet engines all have one thing in common: the need for high power density. They use as little fuel as possible to create a lot of power. Since the 1930s, engineers have used the Brayton thermodynamic cycle to accomplish this feat to great success. This process powers everything from the SpaceX Falcon 9 to the GE engines that fly the Boeing 737. But while demands to take more payload mass to space have exponentially increased, advancements in Brayton cycle combustion have plateaued, spurring the need for new innovations in rocket propulsion technology.
Technology Vision
To overcome the technology limit of current rocket engines, a new propulsion technology is needed. Rotating detonation rocket engines (RDREs) is a relatively new propulsion concept that utilizes detonation combustion to more efficiently burn fuel. Reducing the fuel necessary for the rocket increases space for mission-oriented mass, like larger satellites or crew capsules. Incredibly, even a small increase in engine performance can have exponential improvements for a rocket’s payload. Juno Propulsion is developing new RDREs to provide the fuel efficiency benefits needed to revolutionize the space launch industry.
Potential for Impact
Presently, technologies like rockets are in the realm of the government and large corporate ventures. However, new ventures in the aerospace domain are helping to democratize access to space and the air. In the future, travel across the globe or into space will become increasingly common, affecting industries like heavy manufacturing, communication, and even personal travel. But these advancements will not be possible even with the state-of-the-art engines of today. Rotating detonation engines will help companies make launch vehicles ready for the future.
Twitter
@junopropulsion